HARRY HOWARD - "SLIGHT PAVILLIONS" LP

Since the late 70s, Harry Howard has played a role in drawing international attention to the Australian underground.

His work with and contributions to groups like The Birthday Party, Crime & The City Solution, These Immortal Souls and his late brother Rowland S. Howard’s material have earned their place in punk history and gone on to influence generations by this point.

His latest release, ‘Slight Pavilions’ sees him making his solo debut with a slightly different set up and utilising a variety of drum machines, guitars, bass and synthesisers.

Minimalism was definitely a focal point in these compositions and from the pristine, bass driven, shimmering minimal wave of ‘Blood is Gold’ to the Spacemen 3 style guitar O.D of ‘Suitcase’, ‘Slight Pavilions’ covers a lot of territory.

The use of effected ambience and space throughout recalls some of These Immortal Souls classic mid 80s material, albeit through a more modern lens, and adds a lyrical slant that finds the spectres of the past and current state of affairs colliding with a world weary, existential dread and delivered with that trademark Howard family wit.

Part Nikki Sudden style troubadour, part second album era Suicide with a little minimal synth peppered in for good measure?

Fans of classic Oz post-punk and minimal wave - give this one a spin.

Lulu’s has limited copies of Crane Records (FR) press on pink vinyl w/ onion skin overlay insert.